New York Dearest
The guide, $35
A place · Bar · Chelsea · on 1 of my list

Raines Law Room.

Worth it, says Antonina. These became known as Raines Law rooms and paved the way for one of the most intimate cocktail bars in Chelsea.

Antonina Pattiz
Antonina PattizI went myself · from my Best bars in Chelsea
Where Raines Law Room appears on New York Dearest

It's on 1 of my list. Each entry below is what I wrote about it there, with my verdict on that list, the fullest first.

Best bars in Chelsea

No. 9 on that list
Worth it
  • Address48 W 17th St, New York, NY 10011
  • From my guide, updated January 2024.

Named after the Raines Law, a New York State liquor tax aimed at reducing alcohol consumption, Raines Law Room has become a neighborhood favorite. The law prohibited selling alcohol on Sundays, except for hotels. To exploit this loophole, saloons started expanding and adding rooms to qualify as a hotel. These became known as Raines Law rooms and paved the way for one of the most intimate cocktail bars in Chelsea.

If low lights and good drinks are just about all you need for a great date night then Raines Law Room is looking to host. If you’re looking for an engaging date night, consider taking one of their cocktail-making classes.

Read it on the list
Worth it, says Antonina. Been? Say if you agree.
Raines Law Room

Nearby, from my lists

Worth it, within a ten-minute walk
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Raines Law Room

Chelsea